A 4-goal explosion by the Hershey Bears wasn’t the only fireworks the Giant Center witnessed in the third period on Friday, March 19th when the Albany River Rats (the Carolina Hurricanes’ farm team) came to town as both teams were involved in a bench-clearing brawl. Although the Bears won the game (and the fight) 8-to-2, ending the Rats’ four-game win streak, Michal Neuvirth appeared to injure his groin in the first period. Braden Holtby was summoned to finish the game, and did very well allowing only 1 goal, assisting the pair to stop a collective 17 shots. Friday was also the Hershey Bears’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Jersey Auction, where the Bears wore St. Patrick’s Day themed sweaters that were auctioned off after the game for charity. Pictures to follow:

After Neuvi left injured – there was no goalie on the bench. After the fight-fest – Wilson, Wellar, & Kane went to the Penalty box. Bouchard was in there for a fight that happened 46 seconds earlier – the bench was pretty empty with only 8 players on it.